clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Breakdown of DE Chris Smith’s contract with the Browns

The former Cincinnati defensive end will likely play a rotational role in 2018.

NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The full, year-by-year contract details for Cleveland Browns DE Chris Smith, including his base salary, guaranteed money, and cap hits, are now available. Smith’s deal is considered to be 3 years for $12 million with $4.5 million fully guaranteed.

DE Chris Smith’s Contract, Cap Hits Per Year

Year Base Salary Signing Bonus Roster Bonus Workout Bonus Total Cap Hit
Year Base Salary Signing Bonus Roster Bonus Workout Bonus Total Cap Hit
2018 $1,000,000 $1,166,666 $400,000 $100,000 $2,666,666
2019 $2,750,000 $1,166,666 $400,000 $100,000 $4,416,666
2020 $3,250,000 $1,166,668 $400,000 $100,000 $4,916,668
Total $7,000,000 $3,500,000 $1,200,000 $300,000 $12,000,000
  • Smith has $4.5 million in full guarantees, which consists of his $1 million base salary in 2018, and his $3.5 million signing bonus that is pro-rated to $1,166,666 million per year.
  • Per Aaron Wilson, for every game that Smith is active with the Browns, he will earn a $25,000 roster bonus, up to $400,000 per year for the life of the contract.
  • Additionally, for 2019-2020, there are up to $1 million in escalators per year available to Smith.

In terms of average per year ($4 million), Smith is the 40th-highest paid defensive end in the NFL. If Cleveland wants to cut him after this season, they would carry a dead cap hit of $2.333 million in 2019, a figure that is higher due to his high signing bonus.